Filipe Luís vows to take Flamengo DNA to Bayern test | OneFootball

According to UOL and Globo, Flamengo’s approach to their Club World Cup round-of-16 showdown with Bayern Munich has been defined by head coach Filipe Luís’ insistence on preserving the club’s identity, regardless of the magnitude of the European opponent. Speaking on the eve of the Miami fixture, Filipe Luís made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning Flamengo’s established playing style, stating, “Flamengo has a way of playing, a DNA. The fans connect with it, and we will not give that up.”

The manager emphasized that facing a team of Bayern’s caliber—renowned for their suffocating, man-oriented pressing and organization—demands tactical adaptation, but not a change in values. “Our way of playing depends greatly on how the opponent decides to defend. Bayern’s pressure is one of the most aggressive in the world, and they often mark individually across the pitch. We’ll need speed, but also the ability to keep possession; simply hitting long balls behind the defense will not be enough,” he explained.

Filipe Luís highlighted the competitive edge and psychological resilience of Brazilian players, noting their familiarity with fan and media scrutiny—a trait that, he believes, gives South American teams the toughness to match European sides in knockout competitions. He observed, “For Europeans, winning this competition doesn’t change their lives. For South Americans, it absolutely does. That creates a different motivation.”

On selection, the coach kept his starting lineup close to his chest, revealing only that he’s already decided but not yet informed the squad. He acknowledged the flexibility within his group, hinting at possible variations—such as deploying three top-level center backs like Léo Ortiz, Pereira, and Danilo—but reiterated that any shift would not compromise Flamengo’s offensive intent.

Individual talent will play a role, with key names like Arrascaeta and De la Cruz both available and growing in influence. Arrascaeta, described as “incontestable in quality,” remains a central figure, while De la Cruz trained well and is fit for selection.

Reflecting on tactical evolution since 2011, Filipe Luís drew a line under comparisons with the era of Guardiola’s Barcelona, pointing out that global football has since become far more competitive and tactically nuanced. He identified the Bayern pressing model as a blueprint studied by coaches worldwide, adding that aspects of his own approach have been influenced by this German standard.

Asked about nerves within his squad, Filipe Luís downplayed any concerns: “You don’t need to motivate players for this kind of match. If anything, the challenge is channelling anticipation into balance and focus.”

He was realistic regarding the club’s standing next to the European elite, citing the continued exodus of South America’s best players to clubs like Bayern as a concrete reminder of the global hierarchy. “Our teams are still far from matching Europe overall, but collective organization and extreme competitiveness can bridge a lot over 90 minutes.”

Sources: UOL, Globo

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